Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/252

 Honour to be antecedent to Religion!—Mr. Allworthy, did I agree—?’

He was proceeding, when Mr. Allworthy interpoed, telling them very coldly, they had both mitaken his Meaning; for that he had aid nothing of true Honour.—It is poible, however, he would not have eaily quieted the Diputants, who were growing equally warm, had not another Matter now fallen out, which put a final End to the Converation at preent.  Containing a neceary Apology for the Author; and a childih Incident, which perhaps requires an Apology likewie.

EFORE I proceed farther, I hall beg leave to obviate ome Micontructions, into which the Zeal of ome few Readers may lead them; for I would not willingly give Offence to any, epecially to Men who are warm in the Caue of Virtue or Religion.

I hope, therefore, no Man will, by the groet Miundertanding, or Perverion,